Indiana State at Purdue postgame

The question was asked a lot afterwards – what would've happened if Indiana State Shakir Bell played.

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Indiana State quarterback Mike Perish throws the ball while under pressure of Purdue's Bruce Gaston during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium, in West Lafayette, on Saturday, September 7, 2013.(Photo: Brent Drinkut/Journal & Courier)

The question was asked a lot afterwards – what would've happened if Indiana State Shakir Bell played.

The Sycamores would not have thrown 45 times, instead relying on Bell to carry the offense. Maybe the defense isn't as tired at the end trying to defend all those short passes. But it doesn't matter because Bell didn't play and Akeem Hunt and Ricardo Allen did for the Boilermakers.

The first and last plays were the biggest.

Let's review

5 PLAYERS OF NOTE

• Akeem Hunt. Began the day by taking a handoff from B.J. Knauf on the opening kickoff and reversing direction. About 90 yards later, Hunt is in the end zone and Purdue leads 7-0.

It the second straight year Hunt has returned a kickoff for a touchdown. He had a 100-yard return against Ohio State. Also added 82 rushing yards with 55 in the second half.

• Ricardo Allen. Missed most of the second half against Cincinnati with a high ankle sprain. The injury put his status in question but practiced all week and didn't look slow Saturday.

Came up with a big interception on ISU's last drive to give coach Darrell Hazell his first victory.

• Mike Perish. Indiana State's quarterback had to carry the offense without Bell. Nearly pulled off the upset but the only mistake came on Allen's interception. Completed 29 of 45 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. The first score came on fourth-and-9. If Perish doesn't complete that pass, the Sycamores are done, trailing 17-0.

• Bruce Gaston. Played big on the defensive line. Registered a pair of sacks and led the charge of being more disruptive.

Overall, the Boilermakers sacked Perish five times and brought plenty of pressure. The defensive line has to be the strength, even against overmatched foes.

• Landon Feichter. Suffered a broken leg and is done for the season. Love the intensity the Fort Wayne native brings (bypass the picture if you want)bilde-3.

Broke bones in both hands in the opener but didn't miss practice all week. Three of his four limbs now have a broken bone but the latest one ends his junior year. He'll need some help getting around.

4 KEY PLAYS

• Allen's interception. The eighth of his career. No Pick 6, but that will come.

• Hunt's kickoff return. Purdue will need more of these plays the rest of the year.

• Pick any of the first, second and third-and-goals.

It was red zone misery in the first half.

• Indiana State facing fourth-and-9, trailing 17-0. If Perish doesn't connect with George Cheeseborough on this play for a touchdown, game over.

3 NUMBERS

25 percent

Third down conversions by Purdue's offense.

46.7

Cody Webster's average on six punts.

248

All-purpose yards generated by Hunt.

2 QUESTIONS

• Will John Shoop incorporate more option into Rob Henry's game plan?

• Why is Darrell Hazell going for it on fourth down in the first quarter in his own territory?

1 FINAL THOUGHT

Thought we had seen the last of multiple clock management issues when the new coaching staff arrived. Wasting timeouts is the fastest way to get buried and it's never easy to escape that label. The inability to score from the 1-yard line numerous times against an FCS program is disturbing on so many levels.

But we told this season is about patience and perspective. Keeping them both will only get you through the rough times. If you think the first two weeks were difficult, the schedule doesn't lightened up. That's when your patience will really be tested.